Pamela Anderson says that she was "painfully shy" before modeling for Playboy and even tried to turn down the opportunity at first. Anderson spoke about her "debilitating" shyness with ET Canada in a recent interview while discussing her new documentary and memoir. Pamela, a love story is now streaming on Netflix, while her book, Love, Pamela, is also available now.
"I became painfully shy, and the shyness was something that was so debilitating" Anderson explained. "When I was little, I would wear a hat over my head and pull the hole closed, so I could only see out this much. I hated the way I looked, I hated everything. I was so shy, and I always thought everybody was pretty, and I just didn't have that confidence or self-confidence."
Pamela Anderson On The Red Carpet
As for her decision to model for Playboy, she revealed that she shot down the Hugh Hefner-owned outlet on multiple occasions. She first appeared as the cover girl on Playboy's October 1989 issue. "Then I was in Vancouver and Playboy approached me a few times and I said no. Finally, I was in a situation and thought, 'Why not? Let me try this.' Then I got to L.A. and I was horrified. Then I did my first photo shoot with Playboy… it was the first flash when I opened my eyes and it felt like I was falling off a cliff. It really felt like I was just… allowing, instead of trying to control. And it was my first feeling of freedom. Then I was off to the races." The next year, Anderson won "Playmate of the Month" in February. In the years since, she's appeared on more Playboy covers than any other model.
Before modeling for Playboy, Anderson became known for her role as "C.J." Parker on the iconic television series, Baywatch. She also appeared on the ABC sitcom Home Improvement in the role of Lisa for its first two seasons.
[Via]